You need to read about the power of a child...and the power of time spent with them. Please take a moment to read this.
Spending time with child, no matter who you are, is so very, very important. It's gold.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Easy Solutions - Family Time
Everybody seems to have a cell phone, email, social media, work and who knows what else pulling at them everyday. The moment we get home we are checking work email and project status, or connecting to others through Facebook. So many demands.
And, then there is your family right in front of you. How do you give them the attention they need - whether it's a spouse and/or children? The easiest way? Turn off the cell phone and computer for a specific time. Take a look at this article from the L A Times.
Your family deserves your attention, too. Is there an easier way to give it to them than by pushing the off button or putting your cell phone into silent mode?
And, then there is your family right in front of you. How do you give them the attention they need - whether it's a spouse and/or children? The easiest way? Turn off the cell phone and computer for a specific time. Take a look at this article from the L A Times.
Your family deserves your attention, too. Is there an easier way to give it to them than by pushing the off button or putting your cell phone into silent mode?
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Easy Solutions - A Happy Life
I have always thought that one of the basic rules for a having a happy, fulfilled life was giving. Giving back. Giving to others. Giving away. Just giving. And, do you know there is one ridiculously simple way to give? Collectively, they have become known as Random Acts of Kindness (RAK).
What is a RAK? It can be anything! Yep, ANYTHING that makes a person's day a bit brighter, is completely unexpected, and there is no thought of anything in return. I know, anything is pretty broad, but that's the inherent beauty of a RAK - it's tailored to the situation. Some examples might be in order:
Taking out a neighbor's trash cans.
Bringing in a neighbor's trash cans.
Buying the next person-in-line's coffee at Starbucks.
Helping another carry a box if you see they are having a problem, or doing it before they have a problem.
If you walk for exercise, and know your neighbor's dog, take the dog with you.
Complete a simple repair for someone - like securing house numbers so they aren't falling.
Reaching for something in the store when you see someone having a challenge getting it.
Begin to get the idea? The list of possibilities is endless! Just take a look around. Opportunities are everywhere. A RAK is the ultimate way to customize helping another in some small unexpected way. As a result their day will be better - and so will your's.
A few more RAK's in the world and it would be a better place!
I would love to learn what RAK you might have done today.
"A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money." John Ruskin
What is a RAK? It can be anything! Yep, ANYTHING that makes a person's day a bit brighter, is completely unexpected, and there is no thought of anything in return. I know, anything is pretty broad, but that's the inherent beauty of a RAK - it's tailored to the situation. Some examples might be in order:
Taking out a neighbor's trash cans.
Bringing in a neighbor's trash cans.
Buying the next person-in-line's coffee at Starbucks.
Helping another carry a box if you see they are having a problem, or doing it before they have a problem.
If you walk for exercise, and know your neighbor's dog, take the dog with you.
Complete a simple repair for someone - like securing house numbers so they aren't falling.
Reaching for something in the store when you see someone having a challenge getting it.
Begin to get the idea? The list of possibilities is endless! Just take a look around. Opportunities are everywhere. A RAK is the ultimate way to customize helping another in some small unexpected way. As a result their day will be better - and so will your's.
A few more RAK's in the world and it would be a better place!
I would love to learn what RAK you might have done today.
"A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money." John Ruskin
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Easy Solutions for Weight Loss #3
This should have been Weight Loss Tip #1 - this is soooooo easy! Shall I keep you in suspense any longer? Nah.
Drink water. That's it. You probably already drink some water every day, right? Just pay attention to when you drink it. I am saying it's important when you choose to drink the water.
Now, I know every diet tells you to drink a huge amount of water everyday. Eight glasses seems to be the standard amount of water they tell you to drink. That's a lot of water! And, a lot of trips to the bathroom! I know - I did it. And, there are huge benefits to drinking that much water, don't get me wrong. But, if you have trouble drinking that much water, read on.
Let me tell you what I found out as I began to lose weight: If I drank about 12 ounces of water 15 minutes before eating, I did not eat as much. I did not eat as much, so what happened? I lost weight.
So, a few minutes before each meal, drink a glass of water. Three meals. Three glasses of water. You will eat less. And, when you eat less, what has a decent chance of happening? Wait for it...Weight Loss!
This is so very easy and can lead to weight loss success. You can do it.
Drink water. That's it. You probably already drink some water every day, right? Just pay attention to when you drink it. I am saying it's important when you choose to drink the water.
Now, I know every diet tells you to drink a huge amount of water everyday. Eight glasses seems to be the standard amount of water they tell you to drink. That's a lot of water! And, a lot of trips to the bathroom! I know - I did it. And, there are huge benefits to drinking that much water, don't get me wrong. But, if you have trouble drinking that much water, read on.
Let me tell you what I found out as I began to lose weight: If I drank about 12 ounces of water 15 minutes before eating, I did not eat as much. I did not eat as much, so what happened? I lost weight.
So, a few minutes before each meal, drink a glass of water. Three meals. Three glasses of water. You will eat less. And, when you eat less, what has a decent chance of happening? Wait for it...Weight Loss!
This is so very easy and can lead to weight loss success. You can do it.
Easy Solutions for Potting Large Plants
I was getting ready to transplant a plant from a pot it had out grown. Now, because I don't want to re-plant it anytime soon, I decided to put it into a large pot. You know the problems with large pots? They take a large amount of potting soil! Okay, that's a, "Well, duh." But, the large amount of soil makes them very heavy if they need to be moved.
The easy solution? Use less soil!
How? by using empty water bottles in the bottom 1/3rd of the pot. You were either going to recycle them or throw them away, so why not recycle them into the bottom of the big pot? They take up a lot of room, allow the soil to breath and water to drain. For plants it doesn't get much better than that.
Could not be more simple and you are recycling. And, go ahead - you can move it even after just watering it.
Helping the Earth and yourself - does it get any better?
The easy solution? Use less soil!
How? by using empty water bottles in the bottom 1/3rd of the pot. You were either going to recycle them or throw them away, so why not recycle them into the bottom of the big pot? They take up a lot of room, allow the soil to breath and water to drain. For plants it doesn't get much better than that.
- Keep the water bottles caps on and just put them into the bottom of the pot.
- Fill it about 1/3rd full with the bottles.
- Then, add soil.
- Wet it so it gets between the bottles.
- Add more soil and the plant.
- Finish by adding a bit of fertilizer and more soil.
- Water well.
Could not be more simple and you are recycling. And, go ahead - you can move it even after just watering it.
Helping the Earth and yourself - does it get any better?
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Easy Solutions - A Simple Million $
I just came across this article and you have to read here. A person took the simple idea of having a garage sale and turned it into a million dollars. Does it make a bigger impact if you see the number $1,000,000? Pretty good number, huh?
He started when he was only seven years old by going to garage sales. But, he believes any time is a good time to start. He gives advice on how to have a successful garage sale. BIG tip: Lot's of signs. You've got to let folks know where they can buy, right?
Then, it's a matter of turning the money made from your garage sale into more. Can it be a cool million dollars? That's not the question. The real question is what are you going to do with it?
I know I will get into this in a later post, but I had to share it with you asap.
You can do this - really!
He started when he was only seven years old by going to garage sales. But, he believes any time is a good time to start. He gives advice on how to have a successful garage sale. BIG tip: Lot's of signs. You've got to let folks know where they can buy, right?
Then, it's a matter of turning the money made from your garage sale into more. Can it be a cool million dollars? That's not the question. The real question is what are you going to do with it?
I know I will get into this in a later post, but I had to share it with you asap.
You can do this - really!
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Easy Solutions - Making Money #2
People
love their dogs - that is just a fact. And, they want them to be cared for and
cared about.
What else can do with dogs? Walk them.
Walking dogs is a big business in some major cities like New York. We've all seen pictures of a person walking what looks like 12 dogs at once. It does not have to be that way. You can walk fewer dogs and still make decent money.
Why walk dogs? Because, like people, dogs need exercise on a daily basis. They need to get out and see what's going on in the neighborhood. And, people's workdays are getting longer so the time to walk their dog is really limited. Enter a dog walker.
What will you need? A love of dogs - all kinds of dogs. A few strong leashes, unless the leash is provided by the dog's guardian. Decent shoes - you will be walking a lot. A sense of adventure - because like mail delivery you will be walking dogs in all sorts of weather. And, be a good neighbor - pick up after the dogs. Oh, yes, don't forget to keep dog treats with you at all times in your pocket or a bag - remember to keep your hands free.
Figure out how much you want to charge. Start a bit low so you can get some first clients. You will probably know your first clients, so start by calling friends and neighbors, let them know you are going to walk dogs.
Remember to meet the dogs you will walk - literally interview them. Make sure you get along with the dog before committing to walking it. Also, find out what training the dog has had and what words they respond to. You can walk dogs in the morning and in the afternoon.
Again, I found a book you might want to consider if you want to walk dogs. It's titled The Dog Walker's Startup Guide: Create Your Own Lucrative Dog Walking Business. There are also articles available on the internet that have valuable information.
The money? Figure about $10.00 to $20.00 per dog per walk. And, that is with a group of dogs. For a private walk think around $20 or $30 – and higher in some areas. I'd think about giving a discount if you take the same dogs out twice per day, but that's up to you. However you price your service, be very careful not to price it too high.
Be selective in the dogs you choose to walk. Make sure you get along with the dog and the dog likes you. If you think there will be a problem - don't take the dog. Being selective can be a very good thing for your business.
If you take two or three dogs out - make sure they get along!
Think about add-on services you can offer clients. Training is a natural if you know what you are doing and have experience. Grooming is another - even just bathing a dog is an add-on service.
You can live in the city or in a suburb. Almost anywhere people have dogs as pets. In fact, I was just talking with a friend the other day who lives in a middle class section of Southern California. I would have never expected a dog walker to be active in his neighborhood, but what do I know? He told me about seeing a woman walking several dogs twice a day and that he had talked with her. Why was she walking the dogs? She had a business - it was her job to walk them!
What else can do with dogs? Walk them.
Walking dogs is a big business in some major cities like New York. We've all seen pictures of a person walking what looks like 12 dogs at once. It does not have to be that way. You can walk fewer dogs and still make decent money.
Why walk dogs? Because, like people, dogs need exercise on a daily basis. They need to get out and see what's going on in the neighborhood. And, people's workdays are getting longer so the time to walk their dog is really limited. Enter a dog walker.
What will you need? A love of dogs - all kinds of dogs. A few strong leashes, unless the leash is provided by the dog's guardian. Decent shoes - you will be walking a lot. A sense of adventure - because like mail delivery you will be walking dogs in all sorts of weather. And, be a good neighbor - pick up after the dogs. Oh, yes, don't forget to keep dog treats with you at all times in your pocket or a bag - remember to keep your hands free.
Figure out how much you want to charge. Start a bit low so you can get some first clients. You will probably know your first clients, so start by calling friends and neighbors, let them know you are going to walk dogs.
Remember to meet the dogs you will walk - literally interview them. Make sure you get along with the dog before committing to walking it. Also, find out what training the dog has had and what words they respond to. You can walk dogs in the morning and in the afternoon.
Again, I found a book you might want to consider if you want to walk dogs. It's titled The Dog Walker's Startup Guide: Create Your Own Lucrative Dog Walking Business. There are also articles available on the internet that have valuable information.
The money? Figure about $10.00 to $20.00 per dog per walk. And, that is with a group of dogs. For a private walk think around $20 or $30 – and higher in some areas. I'd think about giving a discount if you take the same dogs out twice per day, but that's up to you. However you price your service, be very careful not to price it too high.
Be selective in the dogs you choose to walk. Make sure you get along with the dog and the dog likes you. If you think there will be a problem - don't take the dog. Being selective can be a very good thing for your business.
If you take two or three dogs out - make sure they get along!
Think about add-on services you can offer clients. Training is a natural if you know what you are doing and have experience. Grooming is another - even just bathing a dog is an add-on service.
You can live in the city or in a suburb. Almost anywhere people have dogs as pets. In fact, I was just talking with a friend the other day who lives in a middle class section of Southern California. I would have never expected a dog walker to be active in his neighborhood, but what do I know? He told me about seeing a woman walking several dogs twice a day and that he had talked with her. Why was she walking the dogs? She had a business - it was her job to walk them!
It
just goes to show you that this can be done almost anywhere.
I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. ~Gilda Radner
I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. ~Gilda Radner
Easy Solutions for Car Buying
Among the things I really, really, really don't like is buying a new car. In fact, there are very few people who enjoy the process, but they are out there. So, if you enjoy the hours spent haggling for a great car price, don't read this. Just that simple. Stop right now. You can find another topic on this blog, or another.
I'll stop while you leave.
But if you would rather walk over hot coals, have bamboo shoots slipped under your finger nails, and listen to nails being drug across a chalk board than go through the process of buying a new car, this is for you. You ready? Good.
First, relax. Buying a new car was never easier. No more haggling to get a good deal. No more hours spent in the dealership as they hold the keys to your old car. No more kids pulling at you to get you moving. None of that. Why? The internet sales department.
That's right. The internet sales department. If you have not discovered these folks, and are in the market for a new car, find them. Reach out to them. Just about every dealership has one of these departments which can be reached through their websites. The type of services vary a bit from dealer to dealer. First, just about everyone will give you a no-haggle price. It's been my experience that it's a discounted price. You tell them the exact car you want, and you get a price for a specific car down to the VIN number. Could it be easier?
Now, a few added services that some dealers provide through their internet departments might include pre-arranging the financing before you ever step foot on the car lot. Others might offer discounted maintenance for your new vehicle. And, still others might offer a number of free car washes.
I discovered these folks about six years ago when I bought a Honda Pilot. I contacted the internet sales department at several dealerships and sent them the same email using the power of copy and paste. That way I knew everyone was working from the same basic information. I generally received my answers back within a few hours. From those answers, I made an appointment to purchase. One hour after arriving I was driving out in a new Honda Pilot and could not have been more pleased with the transaction.
Please remember to be honest in any answers you might give them regarding a trade-in and condition. Since most dealerships use the Kelly Blue Book you can get a good idea about the value of your trade-in, if you have one. Sites like Edmonds.com provide realistic pricing information that you can use as a guide. And, finally your can use any one of a number of sites for reviews like Car and Driver, Motor Trend and many manufacturers now have reviews from just plain ol' drivers on their websites. By the way, Edmonds also has reviews by current owners and professional drivers.
So, use the power of the internet to make car buying almost enjoyable and certainly easy!
Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead. ~Mac McCleary
I'll stop while you leave.
But if you would rather walk over hot coals, have bamboo shoots slipped under your finger nails, and listen to nails being drug across a chalk board than go through the process of buying a new car, this is for you. You ready? Good.
First, relax. Buying a new car was never easier. No more haggling to get a good deal. No more hours spent in the dealership as they hold the keys to your old car. No more kids pulling at you to get you moving. None of that. Why? The internet sales department.
That's right. The internet sales department. If you have not discovered these folks, and are in the market for a new car, find them. Reach out to them. Just about every dealership has one of these departments which can be reached through their websites. The type of services vary a bit from dealer to dealer. First, just about everyone will give you a no-haggle price. It's been my experience that it's a discounted price. You tell them the exact car you want, and you get a price for a specific car down to the VIN number. Could it be easier?
Now, a few added services that some dealers provide through their internet departments might include pre-arranging the financing before you ever step foot on the car lot. Others might offer discounted maintenance for your new vehicle. And, still others might offer a number of free car washes.
I discovered these folks about six years ago when I bought a Honda Pilot. I contacted the internet sales department at several dealerships and sent them the same email using the power of copy and paste. That way I knew everyone was working from the same basic information. I generally received my answers back within a few hours. From those answers, I made an appointment to purchase. One hour after arriving I was driving out in a new Honda Pilot and could not have been more pleased with the transaction.
Please remember to be honest in any answers you might give them regarding a trade-in and condition. Since most dealerships use the Kelly Blue Book you can get a good idea about the value of your trade-in, if you have one. Sites like Edmonds.com provide realistic pricing information that you can use as a guide. And, finally your can use any one of a number of sites for reviews like Car and Driver, Motor Trend and many manufacturers now have reviews from just plain ol' drivers on their websites. By the way, Edmonds also has reviews by current owners and professional drivers.
So, use the power of the internet to make car buying almost enjoyable and certainly easy!
Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead. ~Mac McCleary
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Easy Solutions...Keep it Simple Early
I was doing a bit of research on the Internet...okay, I was looking for a machine for work, and I followed a link that took me to an unlikely place...Here.
Why is it important? Because you don't want to have to fight an illness or face some sort of calamity before learning what is important in life. The simple things; the easy things are the most important in life. Family. People. Conversations. Giving to help others. So simple and yet so enriching.
Please, don't pay attention to all of the noise around you telling you that you have to have this or that or go to this place. Take a moment and listen to your heart.
The sooner you do it, the sooner your life will be easier...and better!
Why is it important? Because you don't want to have to fight an illness or face some sort of calamity before learning what is important in life. The simple things; the easy things are the most important in life. Family. People. Conversations. Giving to help others. So simple and yet so enriching.
Please, don't pay attention to all of the noise around you telling you that you have to have this or that or go to this place. Take a moment and listen to your heart.
The sooner you do it, the sooner your life will be easier...and better!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Easy Solutions for Weight Loss #2
As I mentioned in a previous blog, I had to lose 60 pounds so I looked for the easiest ways to meet that goal, which I did. I will be passing on the lessons I learned on a regular basis.
You have decided; really decided to lose weight. Congratulations! Do you know what happens when you really decide to lose weight? You make a bunch of other little decisions automatically. Really. My first thought after deciding to lose weight was that if I eat less, I might lose weight - so the decision to eat less was already made. But how to eat less? That is really difficult for a lot of folks.
In fact, when I spoke to someone about losing weight and mentioned eating less, they got a bit upset with me. In fact, they told me if they didn't leave the table full, they would get angry. Okay, I get it. But, I have to tell you about a bit of magic I discovered.
You see, I found that when I stopped eating before I felt full, I'd be satisfied about 10 minutes later. Somewhere along the line, the stomach does not communicate with the brain when you are eating very quickly. I don't now the science behind it - and I am sure there is some, I just know it works and works well.
Tonight I had a great BBQ pork sandwich. Is this diet food? Probably not. But, I only had half of a sandwich - a real half - not some half that had a full-size portion in it. And, I drank iced tea - two servings sweetened with a pink packet of stuff. I finished my half sandwich and then relaxed while I drank the iced tea. When I got up from the table, I was 'full.' After a few minutes, I walked about 3 miles. Several hours later I am still satisfied.
The lesson here? Eat a bit less as a start. Don't starve yourself. Don't eat special diet food. Eat what you like, jut eat half of what you would have eaten and then leave the table. What's going to happen? You will lose weight - that's what!
And, isn't that what you decided to do?
"Choices are the hinges of destiny." Pythagoras
You have decided; really decided to lose weight. Congratulations! Do you know what happens when you really decide to lose weight? You make a bunch of other little decisions automatically. Really. My first thought after deciding to lose weight was that if I eat less, I might lose weight - so the decision to eat less was already made. But how to eat less? That is really difficult for a lot of folks.
In fact, when I spoke to someone about losing weight and mentioned eating less, they got a bit upset with me. In fact, they told me if they didn't leave the table full, they would get angry. Okay, I get it. But, I have to tell you about a bit of magic I discovered.
You see, I found that when I stopped eating before I felt full, I'd be satisfied about 10 minutes later. Somewhere along the line, the stomach does not communicate with the brain when you are eating very quickly. I don't now the science behind it - and I am sure there is some, I just know it works and works well.
Tonight I had a great BBQ pork sandwich. Is this diet food? Probably not. But, I only had half of a sandwich - a real half - not some half that had a full-size portion in it. And, I drank iced tea - two servings sweetened with a pink packet of stuff. I finished my half sandwich and then relaxed while I drank the iced tea. When I got up from the table, I was 'full.' After a few minutes, I walked about 3 miles. Several hours later I am still satisfied.
The lesson here? Eat a bit less as a start. Don't starve yourself. Don't eat special diet food. Eat what you like, jut eat half of what you would have eaten and then leave the table. What's going to happen? You will lose weight - that's what!
And, isn't that what you decided to do?
"Choices are the hinges of destiny." Pythagoras
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